“Up On The Housetop (First Version),” arranged by Polly Bekasova, is a lively advanced piano arrangement of the classic American Christmas song. Marked Allegretto, this three-page arrangement gives the familiar melody a bright, energetic piano setting with repeated-note figures, rhythmic accompaniment patterns, chordal writing, and movement between registers. The arrangement requires the performer to keep the melody clearly projected while maintaining the steady rhythmic motion underneath.

Measures 1–18 introduce the piece with the characteristic melody and a light but active accompaniment. The opening establishes the Allegretto character, with short repeated-note figures and rhythmic gestures creating the playful feeling associated with the song. Careful coordination is needed to keep the melodic line clear.

Measures 19–36 continue with more developed accompaniment patterns. The right hand combines melodic material with repeated notes and chordal elements, while the left hand provides rhythmic and harmonic support. The texture becomes fuller as the arrangement progresses.

Measures 37–52 bring another statement of the musical material with increased activity in both hands. Repeated figures appear throughout the texture, creating a steady sense of motion. Changes in register and the combination of sustained and shorter notes give the section variety while maintaining the recognizable melody.

Measures 53–end form the final portion of the arrangement. The established rhythmic figures continue while the piano writing becomes increasingly full and emphatic. The final phrases bring the melody and accompaniment together into a clear closing statement, ending the piece with a firm final sonority.

Interesting fact: “Up on the Housetop” was written by Benjamin Russell Hanby in 1864 and is one of the earliest American secular Christmas songs centered on Santa Claus. Hanby wrote the song while operating a singing school in New Paris, Ohio, and it was originally associated with the title “Santa Claus.” It was subsequently published by the Chicago music publisher George F. Root.

The song also has an interesting connection to American Christmas music history: it was written during the Civil War era and became part of the growing tradition of secular Christmas songs in the United States. Hanby himself was a prolific songwriter, although “Up on the Housetop” ultimately became his best-known Christmas composition.